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Giving Thanks

I recently told you about some of the commercials I’ve been making. Here’s the first one. It will only run for the next two or three days in the US starting tomorrow. If you have the TV on while you eat your turkey, you’ll be hard-pressed to miss.

It was shot by Jeff Preiss of Epoch films, edited by Charlie Johnston at Lost Planet, scored by Mark Isham and produced by Drew Lippman.

What a breathe of fresh air after months of negativity in all the political ads. Nice to see something positive and uplifting. Thank you for your wonderful insights and talent. I always enjoy reading your blog, your books, and everything you so willingly share with us. Happy Thanksgiving, Danny.

Absolutely lovely, Danny!
I have much to be thankful for, too. One of those is you and how you have given of so much of yourself to us, shared with us, and helped us see the beauty in the very near at hand. Thank you!
Elsie

What is it selling? It is selling the idea of a large corporate bank giving a crap about everyday people, history, and traditions, rather than profits. It is selling the idea that this country is somehow still on top, fair, honest, and that there is a level playing field for all. Tough sell.

It speaks to Danny’s film-making talent, as well as that of his team, that so many people are positively touched by this ad, rather than cynical at the idea of this bank caring anything about this country’s citizens.

We all to have to make a living. I don’t fault Danny for doing projects like this. It certainly is a very well made commercial. But I damn sure don’t have to blubber into a hanky and call up grandma after watching.

Good storytelling, great tempo, mesmerizing. This is what we think of when we sigh “America.” (at least I do, on this day of Saint Cecilia, and the 49th anniversary of JFK’s death. America, je vous aime. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.